#20 – Solar Panel Installation on Metal Roofing

February 23, 2017 | Filed under: Metal Roofing 101 Series, Roofing Help Videos

Metal roofs provide a great base for the installation of photovoltaic solar panels. Fact is, the solar panels may last longer than a shorter life roofing system will. You do not want to have to someday remove the solar panels so that you can install a new roof.

If you buy a metal roof and plan to install solar in the future, there are decisions you can make now which will make that process easier in the future. For example, a true standing seam roof in the areas where you plan to install solar will allow the solar panels to be installed by locking them onto the roof seams with no fasteners penetrating the roof. Other types of metal roofs, though, including the various metal shingles, can have solar panels installed on them as well.

If you install a metal shingle roof in the areas where you plan to install a solar array, you should inquire as to whether foam backers are available for installation beneath the metal shingles, providing greater rigidity for the solar installers. Our company does have instructions for installing solar panels on metal shingle roofs. Feel free to contact us for those.

todd Miller

has spent his entire career in the metal building products manufacturing industry. He is president of Isaiah Industries, an organization recognized as one of the world’s leading metal roofing manufacturers. Todd is currently Vice President of the MRA (Metal Roofing Association) and a Past Chair of MCA (Metal Construction Association). Through his website, he strives to raise the bar on standards and practices to provide property owners with the best possible products for successful roofing projects.

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10 responses to “#20 – Solar Panel Installation on Metal Roofing”

  1. Chad Tennant says:

    Hello. I left a message before but didn’t hear back from you.

    Please help me understand if there is an option to put solar panels on my rustic shingle metal roof. Something that won’t void my warranty.

    • toddmiller says:

      Hi there. I am sorry for whatever happened previously that I did not get you an answer. Yes, traditional PV panels can be mounted on Rustic Shingle. We have a couple of prescribed methods that I will email you. It does not void the warranty on the product but we certainly can’t warrant a penetration in the roof if it’s not done properly by the local installer.

  2. Kevin Brown says:

    Hi Todd,

    We are also considering installing solar panels on our shingle metal roof. Can you also email me the proper methods of installation?

    thank you!

  3. anthony morabito says:

    We are going to have your metal shingles installed on our home. Afterwards, we will have the current solar re-installed. Can you send me the solar install instructions and any preferred products to be used (mounting hardware, best underlayment choice, etc.)? It seems that roof penetrations for the mounting hardware will be inevitable with the metal shingle. I’m a little nervous about that.

    Thanks

  4. Greg Dueck says:

    Hello I am with a solar installation company in north east BC (and serves NW Alberta). I have a customer with Fin-All aluminum interlocking shingles. Can you please send me information on the best fastener and method for a successful solar installation.

    Much appreciated.

  5. Todd Miller says:

    Sure, I will email you.

  6. Garett Zunt says:

    Hello!
    I have Oxford shingle installed on my house and have been struggling to find any local solar installer that will work on my house. Can you please send me suggested mounting methods and information so I can share with the various companies so hopefully one will agree to install on my roof. Please help!

  7. Charles B. Oliver says:

    We are installing solar panels on “Oxford Slate Rock Blue” interlocking aluminum shingles with foam backers. Please send your prescribed method for solar install instructions and any preferred products, costs, and where to purchase them.

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